Uncrowned Community Builders

Robin Annette Hicks, the youngest of seven, was born February 18, 1960. Surrounded by six siblings, she established her position in the family and developed into a very independent, self-reliant individual. She exemplified these outstanding characteristics throughout her life in academics, sports and all other areas.

A born scholar, Robin matriculated in the Buffalo Catholic school system and graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy High School in 1977. She earned her undergraduate degree in American Studies in 1985 with the highest distinction. In 1991, she earned her masters degree in American Studies at the University of Buffalo. In the early 1990's, Robin was an active member of the Black Women's Graduate group. This group was an ad hoc organization of black women who were graduate students in the Department of American Studies at University at Buffalo. They met regularly to discuss issues they encountered as black women at a largely white institution, and to discuss their progress as graduate students.

Prior to leaving UB in the mid 90's, Robin was in the Ph.D. program in American Studies; her concentration was in Women's Studies. A biography of Mary Chappelle, a Buffalo activist was to serve as her dissertation in order to meet the department's requirement as a doctoral student. Sadly, Robin did not complete that requirement. However, in March of 2005 when Robin was notified that the Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women, Inc., was celebrating the 100th birthday of Mary B. Chappelle, Robin responded immediately providing additional materials that could be added to the celebration of this important community icon. In particular, the Uncrowned Queens Institute was able to provide to the community of celebrants on that occasionââ?¬â?more than 500ââ?¬â?considerable information about the early life of Mary B. Chappelle. Mrs. Chappelle is one of Buffaloââ?¬â?¢s most important uncrowned queens and Robin contributed considerably to a better understanding of her life. The Buffalo and Western New York community is deeply grateful for Robinââ?¬â?¢s work on preserving the history of Mary B. Chappelle.

It was Robinââ?¬â?¢s adventurous, challenging, independent spirit that prompted her move to Fulton, Missouri to accept the position of Director of Student Diversity at William Woods University. Robin was employed from October, 1994 to October 31, 2001.

At, that time, she was the first African American to hold a Director's level position at the University. One of her major responsibilities was assistance with recruitment of a diverse student population, mentoring current minority students, and programming for activities such as Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month. Robin worked diligently with the Fulton branch of the N.A.A.C.P. She attended regular monthly meetings and worked with the Education Committee to encourage African American youth to stay in school and further their dreams by attending an institution of higher learning after graduation. She helped coordinate annual N.A.A.C.P. programs, and banquets. She encouraged the students at William Woods University to attend these diversity events. She played a very important role with the branch, in that she handled all necessary and required details for the use of the university buildings. She also served as a role model for students enrolled at William Woods University. Of the many programs she sponsored, she always invited the community to attend. Robin was a very loving and caring person that would go the last mile for anyone. She tutored many children in the Buffalo community. She loved animals and especially dogs. Her dog's name was Tess.

Robin's hobbies were basketball, volleyball and racquetball. Robin received numerous awards in all three. She was one of the three African American student athletes selected to the first All Western New York Girls Basketball Team. Robin coached the St. Peter Claver Girls Basketball team. She received the Coach of the Year award for 1984-1985.

Through the years, Robin's faith in God remained firm, even when she received her bone marrow transplant in 2001. In early 2005 a second marrow transplant was attempted. Even though she was diagnosed with lupus early in her life, she never complained. She used her faith in God and her great sense of humor and wit to keep herself, her friends, co-workers and family strong and laughing. Robinââ?¬â?¢s death in December 2005 was a loss to the entire community. Robin is survived by a large family and many friends and associates who remember her fondly.